Breast cancer associated circulating nucleic acid biomarkers

ABSTRACT

The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosing breast cancer that are based on the detection of biomarkers in the circulating nucleic acids from a patient to be evaluated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/324,927, filed Apr. 16, 2010, which application is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Methods to detect breast cancer, including mammography, are well known in the art (see, e.g., Elmore, et al., JAMA 293:1245-56, 2005). However, there is a need for additional detection methods that can be used effectively and economically. This invention addresses that need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based, in part, on the discovery of circulating nucleic acids (CNA) biomarkers associated with breast cancer. The CNA biomarkers are nucleic acid sequences, in the current invention DNA sequences, i.e., DNA fragments, that are present in the blood, e.g., in a serum or plasma sample, of a breast cancer patient, but are rarely present, if at all, in the blood, e.g., a serum or plasma sample, obtained from a normal individual, i.e., in the context of this invention, an individual that does not have breast cancer.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a method of analyzing CNA in a sample (blood, serum or plasma) from a patient comprising detecting the presence of at least one cell-free DNA having a nucleotide sequence falling within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-8 (or having a nucleotide sequence that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Tables of Sequences A-G) in said sample. In some embodiments, detecting the presence of, or the amount of, the at least one biomarker comprises detecting a cell-free DNA molecule having between 50 and 400 consecutive nucleotides of a unique sequence within a chromosomal region as set forth in Tables 2-8 (or of a unique sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A-G).

In one embodiment, a method of analyzing circulating free DNA in a patient sample is provided, comprising determining, in a sample that is blood, serum or plasma, the presence or absence, or the amount of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or at least 40 cell-free DNA molecules each having a sequence falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8, and preferably the sequences of the cell-free DNA molecules are free of repetitive element. In preferred embodiments, the cell-free DNA molecules have sequences falling within different chromosomal regions in the same table that is chosen from Tables 2-8.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit including two or more (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 or at least 40, but less than 55 or 60) sets of oligonucleotides. Each set comprises one or more oligonucleotides with a nucleotide sequence falling within one single chromosomal region that is set forth in a table chosen from Tables 2-8. Preferably, different oligonucleotide sets correspond to different chromosomal regions within the same table. Also, preferably the oligonucleotides are free of repetitive element. Optionally, the oligonucleotides are attached to one or more solid substrates such as microchips and beads.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing or screening for breast cancer in a patient. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining, in a sample that is blood, serum or plasma from a patient, the presence or absence or the amount of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or at least 40 cell-free DNA molecules each having a sequence falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7; and (b) correlating the presence of, or an increased amount of, said first and second cell-free DNAs with an increased likelihood that said patient has breast cancer. Preferably, the sequences of the cell-free DNA molecules are free of repetitive element. In preferred embodiments, the cell-free DNA molecules have sequences falling within different chromosomal regions in the same table that is chosen from Tables 2-8.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of identifying a patient that has a CNA biomarker associated with breast cancer, the method comprising detecting the presence of at least one biomarker set forth in Table 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 in a CNA sample obtained from serum or plasma from the patient. In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of identifying a patient that has a CNA biomarker that is associated with the absence of breast cancer, the method comprising detecting the presence of at least one biomarker set forth in Table 8 in a CNA sample from serum or plasma from the patient. A biomarker can be identified using any number of methods, including sequencing of CNA as well as use of a probe or probe set to detect the presence of the biomarker.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a kit for identifying a patient that has a biomarker for breast cancer and/or that has a biomarker associated with a normal individual that does not have breast cancer, wherein the kit comprises at least one polynucleotide probe to a biomarker set forth in Table 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Preferably, such a kit comprises probes to multiple biomarkers, e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, or 30, or more, of the biomarkers set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8. In some embodiments, the kit also includes an electronic device or computer software to compare the hybridization patterns of the CNA in the patient sample to a breast cancer data set comprising a listing of biomarkers that are present in breast cancer patient CNA, but not CNA samples from normal individuals.

In some embodiments, the presence of the at least one biomarker in CNA is determined by sequencing. In some embodiments, the presence of the at least one biomarker in CNA is determined using an array. In some embodiments, the presence of the at least one biomarker in CNA is determined using an assay that comprises an amplification reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In some embodiments, a nucleic acid array forming a probe set comprising probes to two or more markers set forth in Table 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 can be employed.

In an additional aspect, the invention provides a method of detecting breast cancer in a patient that has, or is suspected of having, breast cancer, the method comprising contacting DNA from the serum or plasma sample with a probe that selectively hybridizes to a sequence present on a chromosomal region described herein, e.g., a sequence set forth in Tables A-G under conditions in which the probe selectively hybridizes to the sequence; and detecting the presence or absence of hybridization of the probe, wherein the presence of hybridization is indicative of breast cancer.

The Tables of Sequences A-G provide examples of sequences corresponding to the chromosome regions set forth in Table 2-8, respectively. The designation (N)x in the tables refer to repetitive element sequences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides an example of a ROC curve using the 40 highest ranking regions of the chromosomal regions identified in Tables 7 and 8, collectively. The actual ROC curve-build from score sums is given together with the 95% confidence limits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, a “biomarker” refers to a nucleic acid sequence that corresponds to a chromosomal region, where the presence of the nucleic acid in CNA is associated with breast cancer; or in embodiments where the biomarker is set forth in Table 8, the absence of breast cancer.

In the current invention, a “chromosomal region” listed in any one of Tables 1 to 8 refers to the region of the chromosome that corresponds to the nucleotide positions indicated in the tables. The nucleotide positions on the chromosomes are numbered according to Homo sapiens (human) genome, build 37.2 as of November 2010 (Table 1-6) and Homo sapiens (human) genome, built 36 as of March 2006 (Table 7, 8). As understood in the art, there are naturally occurring polymorphisms in the genome of individuals. Thus, each chromosome regions listed in the table encompasses allelic variants as well as the particular sequence in the database, e.g., the sequences Tables A-G correspond to the chromosomal regions noted. An allelic variant typically has at least 95% identity, often at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of a chromosomal region noted in the Tables that is present in a particular database, e.g., the National Center for Biotechnology Information (Homo sapiens Build 37.1 at the website http:// followed by www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mapview/.) Percent identity can be determined using well known algorithms, including the BLAST algorithm, e.g., set to the default parameters. Further, it is understood that the nucleotide sequences of the chromosomes may be improved upon as errors in the current database are discovered and corrected. The term “chromosomal region” encompasses any variant or corrected version of the same region as defined in Tables 1-8. Given the information provided in the tables in the present disclosure, especially in view of the sequences listed in Tables A-G, a skilled person in the art will be able to understand the chromosomal regions used for the present invention even after new variants are discovered or error are corrected.

“Detecting the presence of a chromosomal region” in CNA in the context of this invention refers to detecting any sequence from a chromosomal region shown in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8 where the sequence detected can be assigned unambiguously to that chromosomal region. Thus, this term refers to the detection of unique sequences from the chromosomal regions. Methods of removing repetitive sequences from the analysis are known in the art and include use of blocking DNA, e.g., when the target nucleic acids are identified by hybridization. In some embodiments, typically where the presence of a biomarker is determined by sequencing the CNA from a patient, well known computer programs and manipulations can be used to remove repetitive sequences from the analysis (see, e.g., the EXAMPLES section). In addition, sequences that have multiple equally fitting alignment to the reference database are typically omitted from further analyses.

The term “detecting a biomarker” as used herein refers to detecting a sequence from a chromosomal region listed in any of Tables 2-8. A biomarker is considered to be present if any nucleic acid sequence present in the CNA is unambiguously assigned to the chromosomal region.

The term “unambiguously assigned” in the context of this invention refers to determining that a DNA detected in the CNA of a patient is from a particular chromosomal region. Thus, in detection methods that employ hybridization, the probe hybridizes specifically to that region. In detection methods that employ amplification, the primer(s) hybridizes specifically to that region. In detection methods that employ sequencing, the sequence is assigned to that region based on well-known algorithms for identity, such as the BLAST algorithm using high stringent parameters, such as e<0.0001. In addition, such a sequence does not have a further equally fitting hit on the used database.

The term “circulating nucleic acids” refers to acellular nucleic acids that are present in the blood.

The term “circulating cell-free DNA” as used herein means free DNA molecules of 25 nucleotides or longer that are not contained within any intact cells in human blood, and can be obtained from human serum or plasma.

The term “hybridization” refers to the formation of a duplex structure by two single stranded nucleic acids due to complementary base pairing. Hybridization can occur between exactly complementary nucleic acid strands or between nucleic acid strands that contain minor regions of mismatch. As used herein, the term “substantially complementary” refers to sequences that are complementary except for minor regions of mismatch. Typically, the total number of mismatched nucleotides over a hybridizing region is not more than 3 nucleotides for sequences about 15 nucleotides in length. Conditions under which only exactly complementary nucleic acid strands will hybridize are referred to as “stringent” or “sequence-specific” hybridization conditions. Stable duplexes of substantially complementary nucleic acids can be achieved under less stringent hybridization conditions. Those skilled in the art of nucleic acid technology can determine duplex stability empirically considering a number of variables including, for example, the length and base pair concentration of the oligonucleotides, ionic strength, and incidence of mismatched base pairs. For example, computer software for calculating duplex stability is commercially available from National Biosciences, Inc. (Plymouth, Minn.); e.g., OLIGO version 5, or from DNA Software (Ann Arbor, Mich.), e.g., Visual OMP 6.

Stringent, sequence-specific hybridization conditions, under which an oligonucleotide will hybridize only to the target sequence, are well known in the art (see, e.g., the general references provided in the section on detecting polymorphisms in nucleic acid sequences). Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5° C. lower to 5° C. higher than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength and pH) at which 50% of the duplex strands have dissociated. Relaxing the stringency of the hybridizing conditions will allow sequence mismatches to be tolerated; the degree of mismatch tolerated can be controlled by suitable adjustment of the hybridization conditions.

The term “primer” refers to an oligonucleotide that acts as a point of initiation of DNA synthesis under conditions in which synthesis of a primer extension product complementary to a nucleic acid strand is induced, i.e., in the presence of four different nucleoside triphosphates and an agent for polymerization (i.e., DNA polymerase or reverse transcriptase) in an appropriate buffer and at a suitable temperature. A primer is preferably a single-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotide. The primer includes a “hybridizing region” exactly or substantially complementary to the target sequence, preferably about 15 to about 35 nucleotides in length. A primer oligonucleotide can either consist entirely of the hybridizing region or can contain additional features which allow for the detection, immobilization, or manipulation of the amplified product, but which do not alter the ability of the primer to serve as a starting reagent for DNA synthesis. For example, a nucleic acid sequence tail can be included at the 5′ end of the primer that hybridizes to a capture oligonucleotide.

The term “probe” refers to an oligonucleotide that selectively hybridizes to a target nucleic acid under suitable conditions. A probe for detection of the biomarker sequences described herein can be any length, e.g., from 15-500 bp in length. Typically, in probe-based assays, hybridization probes that are less than 50 bp are preferred.

The term “target sequence” or “target region” refers to a region of a nucleic acid that is to be analyzed and comprises the polymorphic site of interest.

As used herein, the terms “nucleic acid,” “polynucleotide” and “oligonucleotide” refer to primers, probes, and oligomer fragments. The terms are not limited by length and are generic to linear polymers of polydeoxyribonucleotides (containing 2-deoxy-D-ribose), polyribonucleotides (containing D-ribose), and any other N-glycoside of a purine or pyrimidine base, or modified purine or pyrimidine bases. These terms include double- and single-stranded DNA, as well as double- and single-stranded RNA. Oligonucleotides for use in the invention may be used as primers and/or probes.

A nucleic acid, polynucleotide or oligonucleotide can comprise phosphodiester linkages or modified linkages including, but not limited to phosphotriester, phosphoramidate, siloxane, carbonate, carboxymethylester, acetamidate, carbamate, thioether, bridged phosphoramidate, bridged methylene phosphonate, phosphorothioate, methylphosphonate, phosphorodithioate, bridged phosphorothioate or sulfone linkages, and combinations of such linkages.

A nucleic acid, polynucleotide or oligonucleotide can comprise the five biologically occurring bases (adenine, guanine, thymine, cytosine and uracil) and/or bases other than the five biologically occurring bases. These bases may serve a number of purposes, e.g., to stabilize or destabilize hybridization; to promote or inhibit probe degradation; or as attachment points for detectable moieties or quencher moieties. For example, a polynucleotide of the invention can contain one or more modified, non-standard, or derivatized base moieties, including, but not limited to, N6-methyl-adenine, N6-tert-butyl-benzyl-adenine, imidazole, substituted imidazoles, 5-fluorouracil, 5 bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5 (carboxyhydroxymethyl)uracil, 5 carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5 carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N6 isopentenyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-methyladenine, 7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarboxymethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N-6-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), wybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2 thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, uracil-5-oxyacetic acidmethylester, 3-(3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl) uracil, (acp3)w, 2,6-diaminopurine, and 5-propynyl pyrimidine. Other examples of modified, non-standard, or derivatized base moieties may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,001,611; 5,955,589; 5,844,106; 5,789,562; 5,750,343; 5,728,525; and 5,679,785, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, a nucleic acid, polynucleotide or oligonucleotide can comprise one or more modified sugar moieties including, but not limited to, arabinose, 2-fluoroarabinose, xylulose, and a hexose.

The term “repetitive element” as used herein refers to a stretch of DNA sequence of at least 25 nucleotides in length that is present in the human genome in at least 50 copies.

The terms “arrays,” “microarrays,” and “DNA chips” are used herein interchangeably to refer to an array of distinct polynucleotides affixed to a substrate, such as glass, plastic, paper, nylon or other type of membrane, filter, chip, bead, or any other suitable solid support. The polynucleotides can be synthesized directly on the substrate, or synthesized separate from the substrate and then affixed to the substrate. The arrays are prepared using known methods.

Introduction

The invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of CNA sequences from particular chromosomal regions that are present or at an increased amount in the blood of patients that have breast cancer, but are rarely, if ever, present, or at a lower amount, in the blood of normal patients that do not have breast cancer. The invention is also based, in part, on the identification of biomarkers in the CNA in normal individuals, i.e., in the context of this invention, individuals not diagnosed with breast cancer, that are rarely, if ever, present in patients with breast cancer. Thus, the invention provides methods and devices for analyzing for the presence of sequences from a chromosomal region corresponding to at least one of the chromosomal regions set forth in Table 2, Table, 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a method of analyzing CNA in a sample (blood, serum or plasma) from a patient comprising detecting the presence of, or an amount of, at least one circulating cell-free DNA having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 nucleotides falling within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (or having a nucleotide sequence that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G in the sample. Preferably, the circulating cell-free DNA is free of repetitive element. In one embodiment, the patient is an individual suspected of or diagnosed with cancer, e.g., breast cancer.

By “falling within” it is meant herein that the nucleotide sequence of a circulating cell-free DNA is substantially identical (e.g., greater than 95% identical) to a part of the nucleotide sequence of a chromosome region. In other words, the circulating cell-free DNA can hybridize to under stringent condition, or be derived from, the chromosomal region.

In one embodiment, a method of analyzing circulating cell-free DNA in a patient sample is provided, comprising determining, in a sample that is blood, serum or plasma, the presence or absence or the amount of, a plurality of circulating cell-free DNA molecules each having a sequence of at least 25 nucleotides in length falling within the same one single chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8 (or each having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of the same sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G). There may be two or more or any number of different circulating cell-free DNA molecules that are all derived from the same one chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-8, and in some embodiments, all such circulating cell-free DNA molecules are detected and/or the amounts thereof are determined.

Preferably the sequences of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules are free of repetitive element.

In one embodiment, a method of analyzing circulating cell-free DNA in a patient sample is provided, comprising determining, in a sample that is blood, serum or plasma, the presence or absence or the amount of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or at least 40 circulating cell-free DNA molecules each having a sequence of at least 25 base pairs falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25, 40, 50, 60, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G). Preferably the sequences of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules are free of repetitive element. In preferred embodiments, the cell free DNA molecules have sequences falling within different chromosomal regions in the same table that is chosen from Tables 2-8. In one specific embodiment, the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or at least 32 circulating cell-free DNA molecules are determined the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 2 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25, 40, 50, 60, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences A). In another specific embodiment, the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, or at least 37 circulating cell-free DNA molecules are determined the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 3 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25, 40, 50, 60, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences B). In another specific embodiment, the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or at least 30 circulating cell-free DNA molecules are determined each having a sequence falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 4 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25, 40, 50, 60, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences C). In another specific embodiment, the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or at least 27 circulating cell-free DNA molecules are determined each having a sequence falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 5 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25, 40, 50, 60, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences D). In another specific embodiment, the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or at least 25 circulating cell-free DNA molecules are determined each having a sequence falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 6 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25, 40, 50, 60, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences E). In another specific embodiment, the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, or at least 45 circulating cell-free DNA molecules are determined the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 7 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25, 40, 50, 60, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences F). In yet another specific embodiment, the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or at least 8 circulating cell-free DNA molecules are determined each having a sequence falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 8 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25, 40, 50, 60, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences G).

In a specific embodiment, the method of analyzing circulating cell-free DNA includes the steps of: isolating, from blood, serum or plasma sample of a patient, substantially all circulating cell-free DNA molecules having a length of at least 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length, or between 50 and 400 nucleotides in length, obtaining the sequence of each of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules, and comparing the sequence to one or more of the sequences set forth in Tables of Sequences A-G) to determine whether the sequence falls within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-8.

In another specific embodiment, the method of analyzing circulating cell-free DNA includes the steps of: isolating, from blood, serum or plasma sample of a patient, substantially all circulating cell-free DNA molecules having a length of at least 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length, or between 50 and 400 nucleotides in length, and contacting the circulating cell-free DNA molecules to a plurality of oligonucleotides (e.g., on a DNA chip or microarray) to determine if one of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules hybridizes to any one of the plurality of oligonucleotide probes under stringent conditions. Each of the oligonucleotide probes has a nucleotide sequence identical to a part of the sequence of a chromosomal region chosen from Tables 2-8 (or a sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A-G). Thus, if a circulating DNA molecule hybridizes under stringent conditions to one of the oligonucleotide probes, it indicates that the circulating DNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence falling within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-8.

In the above various embodiments, preferably the circulating cell-free DNA molecules have at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length (preferably at least 50, 70, 80, 100, 120 or 200 consecutive nucleotides in length). More preferably, the circulating cell-free DNA molecules have between about 50 and about 300 or 400, preferably from about 75 and about 300 or 400, more preferably from about 100 to about 200 consecutive nucleotides of a unique sequence within a chromosomal region as set forth in Tables 2-8 (or of a unique sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A-G).

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing or screening for breast cancer in a patient. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining, in a sample that is blood, serum or plasma from a patient, the presence or absence or the amount of, at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or at least 40 circulating cell-free DNA molecules each having a sequence of at least 25 nucleotides in length falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G); and (b) correlating the presence of or an increased amount of the circulating cell-free DNAs with an increased likelihood that the patient has breast cancer.

Alternatively, the method of invention includes the steps of: (a) determining, in a sample that is blood, serum or plasma from a patient, the presence or absence or the amount of, at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, or 8 circulating cell-free DNA molecules each having a sequence of at least 25 nucleotides in length falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 8 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences G); and (b) correlating the presence of or an increased amount of the circulating cell-free DNAs with a decreased likelihood that the patient has breast cancer.

When the steps of the above methods are applied to a patient diagnosed of cancer, the patient may be monitored for the status of breast cancer, or for determining the treatment effect of a particular treatment regimen, or detecting cancer recurrence or relapse.

In the diagnosis/monitoring method of the present invention, preferably the sequences of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules are free of repetitive element. In preferred embodiments, the cell free DNA molecules have sequences falling within different chromosomal regions in the same table that is chosen from Tables 2-8.

In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing breast cancer in an individual is provided, comprising (a) determining the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or at least 32 circulating cell-free DNA molecules the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 2 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences A); and (b) correlating the presence of or an increased amount of, one or more of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules with an increased likelihood that the individual has breast cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer or a failure of treatment for breast cancer.

In another embodiment, a method of diagnosing breast cancer in an individual is provided, comprising (a) determining the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or at least 37 circulating cell-free DNA molecules the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 3 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences B); and (b) correlating the presence of, or an increased amount of, one or more of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules with an increased likelihood that the individual has breast cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer or a failure of treatment for breast cancer.

In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing/monitoring breast cancer in an individual is provided, comprising (a) determining the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or at least 30 circulating cell-free DNA molecules the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 4 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences C); and (b) correlating the presence of, or an increased amount of, one or more of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules with an increased likelihood that the individual has breast cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer or a failure of treatment for breast cancer.

In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing/monitoring breast cancer in an individual is provided, comprising (a) determining the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or at least 27 circulating cell-free DNA molecules the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 5 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences D); and (b) correlating the presence of, or an increased amount of, one or more of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules with an increased likelihood that the individual has breast cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer or a failure of treatment for breast cancer.

In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing/monitoring breast cancer in an individual is provided, comprising (a) determining the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or at least 25 circulating cell-free DNA molecules the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 6 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences E); and (b) correlating the presence of, or an increased amount of, one or more of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules with an increased likelihood that the individual has breast cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer or a failure of treatment for breast cancer.

In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing/monitoring breast cancer in an individual is provided, comprising (a) determining the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, or at least 45 circulating cell-free DNA molecules the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 7 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences F); and (b) correlating the presence of, or an increased amount of, one or more of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules with an increased likelihood that the individual has breast cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer or a failure of treatment for breast cancer.

In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing/monitoring breast cancer in an individual is provided, comprising (a) determining the presence or absence or the amounts of, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, or at least 8 circulating cell-free DNA molecules the sequence of each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Table 8 (or having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Table of Sequences G); and (b) correlating the presence of or an increased amount of, one or more of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules with an increased likelihood that the individual does not have breast cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer or a failure of treatment for breast cancer.

In yet another embodiment, the method of diagnosing, monitoring or screening for breast cancer in a patient, includes determining, in a sample that is blood, serum or plasma from the patient, the presence or absence or the total amount of, each and all circulating cell-free DNAs each having a sequence falling within the same one single chromosomal region set forth in a table chosen from Tables 2-7; and correlating the presence of one of said circulating cell-free DNAs or an increased total amount of said circulating cell-free DNAs, with an increased likelihood that said patient has breast cancer, or recurrence of breast cancer. In other words, there can be any number of, and typically many, different circulating cell-free DNA molecules derived from one single same chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-7, and all of such different circulating cell-free DNA molecules are detected and/or the amount each or all is determined, and correlation with the status of breast cancer is made.

In a specific embodiment, substantially all circulating cell-free DNA molecules having a length of at least 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length, or between 50 and 400 nucleotides in length, are isolated from a blood, serum or plasma sample of a patient. The sequence of each of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules is determined, and compared with one or more of the sequences set forth in Tables of Sequences A-G) to determine whether the sequence of a circulating cell-free DNA falls within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-7. If so, a diagnosis of breast cancer is made. In the case of a patient treated with a therapy for breast cancer, recurrence is indicated if a circulating cell-free DNA falls within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-8 is detected. In preferred embodiments, a diagnosis of breast cancer or breast cancer treatment failure or recurrence is indicated if two or more circulating cell-free DNA molecules fall within 2, 3, 4 or more chromosomal regions set forth in Tables 2-8, preferably all such chromosomal regions being in the same table.

In another specific embodiment, substantially all circulating cell-free DNA molecules having a length of at least 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75 or 100 consecutive nucleotides in length, or between 50 and 400 nucleotides in length, are isolated from a blood, serum or plasma sample of a patient. These circulating cell-free DNA molecules are hybridized to a microarray that is described above in the context of the kit invention to determine if one of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules hybridizes to any one of a plurality of oligonucleotide probes under stringent conditions. Each of the oligonucleotide probes has a nucleotide sequence identical to a part of the sequence of a chromosomal region chosen from Tables 2-8 (or a sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A-G). Thus, if a circulating DNA molecule hybridizes under stringent conditions to one of the oligonucleotide probes, it indicates that the circulating DNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence falling within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-7. If so, a diagnosis of breast cancer is made. In the case of a patient treated with a therapy for breast cancer, recurrence is indicated if a circulating cell-free DNA falls within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-7 is detected. In preferred embodiments, a diagnosis of breast cancer or breast cancer treatment failure or recurrence is indicated if two or more circulating cell-free DNA molecules fall within 2, 3, 4 or more chromosomal regions set forth in Tables 2-7, preferably all such chromosomal regions being in the same table, e.g., Table 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

In the above various embodiments, preferably the circulating cell-free DNA molecules have at least 25 consecutive nucleotides in length (preferably at least 50, 70, 80, 100, 120 or 200 consecutive nucleotides in length). More preferably, the circulating cell-free DNA molecules have between about 50 and about 300 or 400, preferably from about 75 and about 300 or 400, more preferably from about 100 to about 200 consecutive nucleotides of a unique sequence within a chromosomal region as set forth in Tables 2-8 (or of a unique sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A-G).

Detection of Circulating Nucleic Acids in the Blood

In order to detect the presence of circulating nucleic acids in the blood of patients that may have, or are suspected of having, breast cancer, a blood sample is obtained from the patient. Serum or plasma from the blood sample is then analyzed for the presence of a circulating cell-free DNA or biomarker as described herein. Nucleic acids can be isolated from serum or plasma using well known techniques, see, e.g., the example sections. In the context of the current invention, the nucleic acid sequences that are analyzed are DNA sequences. Thus, in this section, methods described as evaluating “nucleic acids” refers to the evaluation of DNA.

Detection techniques for evaluating nucleic acids for the presence of a biomarker involve procedures well known in the field of molecular genetics. Further, many of the methods involve amplification of nucleic acids. Ample guidance for performing is provided in the art. Exemplary references include manuals such as PCR Technology: Principles and Applications for DNA Amplification (ed. H. A. Erlich, Freeman Press, NY, N.Y., 1992); PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications (eds. Innis, et al., Academic Press, San Diego, Calif., 1990); Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Ausubel, 1994-1999, including supplemental updates through April 2004; Sambrook & Russell, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual (3rd Ed, 2001).

Although the methods may employ PCR steps, other amplification protocols may also be used. Suitable amplification methods include ligase chain reaction (see, e.g., Wu & Wallace, Genomics 4:560-569, 1988); strand displacement assay (see, e.g., Walker et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:392-396, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,166); and several transcription-based amplification systems, including the methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,437,990; 5,409,818; and 5,399,491; the transcription amplification system (TAS) (Kwoh et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:1173-1177, 1989); and self-sustained sequence replication (3SR) (Guatelli et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:1874-1878, 1990; WO 92/08800). Alternatively, methods that amplify the probe to detectable levels can be used, such as Qβ-replicase amplification (Kramer & Lizardi, Nature 339:401-402, 1989; Lomeli et al., Clin. Chem. 35:1826-1831, 1989). A review of known amplification methods is provided, for example, by Abramson and Myers in Current Opinion in Biotechnology 4:41-47, 1993.

In some embodiments, the detection of biomarker in the CNA of a patient is performed using oligonucleotide primers and/or probes to detect a target sequence, wherein the target sequence is present in (e.g., comprises some unambiguously assigned portion of) any of the chromosomal regions listed in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8. Oligonucleotides can be prepared by any suitable method, usually chemical synthesis, and can also be purchased through commercial sources. Oligonucleotides can include modified phosphodiester linkages (e.g., phosphorothioate, methylphosphonates, phosphoamidate, or boranophosphate) or linkages other than a phosphorous acid derivative into an oligonucleotide may be used to prevent cleavage at a selected site. In addition, the use of 2′-amino modified sugars tends to favor displacement over digestion of the oligonucleotide when hybridized to a nucleic acid that is also the template for synthesis of a new nucleic acid strand.

In one embodiment, the biomarker is identified by hybridization under sequence-specific hybridization conditions with a probe that targets a chromosomal region described herein. The probe used for this analysis can be a long probe or sets for short oligonculeotide probes, e.g., from about 20 to about 150 nucleotides in length may be employed.

Suitable hybridization formats are well known in the art, including but not limited to, solution phase, solid phase, oligonucleotide array formats, mixed phase, or in situ hybridization assays. In solution (or liquid) phase hybridizations, both the target nucleic acid and the probe or primers are free to interact in the reaction mixture. Techniques such as real-time PCR systems have also been developed that permit analysis, e.g., quantification, of amplified products during a PCR reaction. In this type of reaction, hybridization with a specific oligonucleotide probe occurs during the amplification program to identify the presence of a target nucleic acid. Hybridization of oligonucleotide probes ensure the highest specificity due to thermodynamically controlled two state transition. Examples for this assay formats are fluorescence resonance energy transfer hybridization probes, molecular beacons, molecular scorpions, and exonuclease hybridization probes (e.g., reviewed in Bustin, J. Mol. Endocrin. 25:169-93, 2000).

Suitable assay formats include array-based formats, described in greater detail below in the “Device” section, where probe is typically immobilized. Alternatively, the target may be immobilized.

In a format where the target is immobilized, amplified target DNA is immobilized on a solid support and the target complex is incubated with the probe under suitable hybridization conditions, unhybridized probe is removed by washing under suitably stringent conditions, and the solid support is monitored for the presence of bound probe. In formats where the probes are immobilized on a solid support, the target DNA is typically labeled, usually during amplification. The immobilized probe is incubated with the amplified target DNA under suitable hybridization conditions, unhybridized target DNA is removed by washing under suitably stringent conditions, and the solid support/probe is monitored for the presence of bound target DNA.

In typical embodiments, multiple probes are immobilized on a solid support and the target chromosomal regions in the CNA from a patient are analyzed using the multiple probes simultaneously. Examples of nucleic acid arrays are described by WO 95/11995.

In an alternative probe-less method, amplified nucleic acid corresponding to a target nucleic acid present in a chromosomal region is performed using nucleic acid primers to the chromosomal region and is detected by monitoring the increase in the total amount of double-stranded DNA in the reaction mixture, is described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,056; and European Patent Publication Nos. 487,218 and 512,334. The detection of double-stranded target DNA relies on the increased fluorescence various DNA-binding dyes, e.g., SYBR Green, exhibit when bound to double-stranded DNA.

As appreciated by one in the art, specific amplification methods can be performed in reaction that employ multiple primers to target the chromosomal regions such that the biomarker can be adequately covered.

DNA Sequencing

In preferred embodiments, the presence of a sequence from a chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8 in the CNA from a patient undergoing evaluation is detected by direct sequencing. Such sequencing, especially using the Roche 454, Illumina, and Applied Biosystems sequencing systems mentioned below or similar advanced sequencing systems, can include quantitation (i.e., determining the level) of nucleic acids having a particular sequence. Such quantitation can be used in the embodiments of the invention that involve determining the level of a biomarker (some embodiments of which involve correlating a particular level to the presence or absence of cancer). Methods include e.g., dideoxy sequencing-based methods although other methods such as Maxam and Gilbert sequencing are also known (see, e.g., Sambrook and Russell, supra). In typical embodiments, CNA from a patient is sequenced using a large-scale sequencing method that provides the ability to obtain sequence information from many reads. Such sequencing platforms includes those commercialized by Roche 454 Life Sciences (GS systems), Illumina (e.g., HiSeq, MiSeq) and Applied Biosystems (e.g., SOLiD systems).

The Roche 454 Life Sciences sequencing platform involves using emulsion PCR and immobilizing DNA fragments onto bead. Incorporation of nucleotides during synthesis is detected by measuring light that is generated when a nucleotide is incorporated.

The Illumina technology involves the attachment of randomly fragmented genomic DNA to a planar, optically transparent surface. Attached DNA fragments are extended and bridge amplified to create an ultra-high density sequencing flow cell with clusters containing copies of the same template. These templates are sequenced using a sequencing-by-synthesis technology that employs reversible terminators with removable fluorescent dyes.

Methods that employ sequencing by hybridization may also be used. Such methods, e.g., used in the ABI SOLiD4+ technology uses a pool of all possible oligonucleotides of a fixed length, labeled according to the sequenced position. Oligonucleotides are annealed and ligated; the preferential ligation by DNA ligase for matching sequences results in a signal informative of the nucleotide at that position.

The sequence can be determined using any other DNA sequencing method including, e.g., methods that use semiconductor technology to detect nucleotides that are incorporated into an extended primer by measuring changes in current that occur when a nucleotide is incorporated (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20090127589 and 20100035252). Other techniques include direct label-free exonuclease sequencing in which nucleotides cleaved from the nucleic acid are detected by passing through a nanopore (Oxford Nanopore) (Clark et al., Nature Nanotechnology 4: 265-270, 2009); and Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT™) DNA sequencing technology (Pacific Biosciences), which is a sequencing-by synthesis technique.

Devices and Kits

In a further aspect, the invention provides diagnostic devices and kits useful for identifying one or more breast cancer-associated biomarkers in the CNA from a patient where the one or more biomarkers is a sequence corresponding to any of the chromosomal regions set forth in Table 2, Table, 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8. As will be apparent to skilled artisans, the kit of the present invention is useful in the above-discussed method for analyzing circulating cell-free DNA in a patient sample and in diagnosing, screening or monitoring breast cancer as described above.

Thus, in one aspect, the present invention provides the use of at least one oligonucleotide for the manufacture of a diagnostic kit useful in diagnosing, screening or monitoring breast cancer. The nucleotide sequence of the oligonucleotide falls within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (or matches a part of a sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G).

Preferably, the kit of the present invention includes one, two or more (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 or at least 40, but preferably less than 60, preferably from one to about 50, more preferably from 2 to about or 3 to about 50) sets of oligonucleotides. Each set comprises one or more oligonucleotides (e.g., from about one to about 10,000, preferably from 50, 100, 200 or 300 to about 10,000). All of the nucleotide sequences of such one or more oligonucleotides in each set fall within the same one single chromosomal region that is set forth in a table chosen from Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 (or match a part of the same one single sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F or G). Each oligonucleotide should have from about 18 to 100 nucleotides, or from 20 to about 50 nucleotides, and is capable of hybridizing, under stringent hybridization conditions, to the chromosomal region in which its sequence falls. The oligonucleotides are useful as probes for detecting circulating cell-free DNA molecules derived from the chromosomal regions. Preferably, each set includes a sufficient number of oligonucleotides with sequences mapped to one chromosomal region such that any circulating cell-free DNA molecules derived from the chromosomal region can be detected with the oligonucleotide set. Thus, the number of oligonucleotides required in each set is determined by the total length of unique nucleotide sequence of a particular chromosomal region, as will be apparent to skilled artisans. Such total lengths are indicated in Tables 2-8 and should also be apparent from Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

Preferably, in the kit of the present invention, different oligonucleotide sets correspond to different chromosomal regions within the same table. Preferably, the oligonucleotides are free of repetitive element. Optionally, the oligonucleotides are attached to one or more solid substrates such as microchips and beads. In preferred embodiments, the kit is a microarray with the above oligonucleotides.

In one embodiment, the kit of the present invention includes a plurality of oligonucleotide sets capable of hybridizing to the chromosomal regions set forth in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively. That is, the kit includes oligonucleotide probes corresponding to each and every chromosomal regions set forth in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (or matching each and every sequence set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F or G) such that all circulating cell-free DNA derived from any chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-8 can be detected using the kit.

Use of the oligonucleotides included in the kit described for the manufacture of the kit useful for diagnosing, screening or monitoring breast cancer is also contemplated. The manufacturing of such kit should be apparent to a skilled artisan.

In some embodiments, a diagnostic device comprises probes to detect at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or 50, or at least 100 the chromosomal regions set forth in Tables 2-8. In some embodiments, the present invention provides probes attached to a solid support, such as an array slide or chip, e.g., as described in DNA Microarrays: A Molecular Cloning Manual, 2003, Eds. Bowtell and Sambrook, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. Construction of such devices are well known in the art, for example as described in US Patents and Patent Publications U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,832; PCT application WO95/11995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,522; U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,157,229, 7,083,975, 6,444,175, 6,375,903, 6,315,958, 6,295,153, and 5,143,854, 2007/0037274, 2007/0140906, 2004/0126757, 2004/0110212, 2004/0110211, 2003/0143550, 2003/0003032, and 2002/0041420. Nucleic acid arrays are also reviewed in the following references: Biotechnol Annu Rev 8:85-101 (2002); Sosnowski et al, Psychiatr Genet. 12(4):181-92 (December 2002); Heller, Annu Rev Biomed Eng 4: 129-53 (2002); Kolchinsky et al, Hum. Mutat 19(4):343-60 (April 2002); and McGail et al, Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol 77:21-42 (2002).

Any number of probes may be implemented in an array. A probe set that hybridizes to different, preferably unique, segments of a chromosomal region may be used where the probe set detects any part of the chromosomal region. Alternatively, a single probe to a chromosomal region may be immobilized to a solid surface. Polynucleotide probe can be synthesized at designated areas (or synthesized separately and then affixed to designated areas) on a substrate, e.g., using a light-directed chemical process. Typical synthetic polynucleotides can be about 15-200 nucleotides in length.

The kit can include multiple biomarker detection reagents, or one or more biomarker detection reagents in combination with one or more other types of elements or components (e.g., other types of biochemical reagents, containers, packages such as packaging intended for commercial sale, substrates to which biomarker detection reagents are attached, electronic hardware components, etc.). Accordingly, the present invention further provides biomarker detection kits and systems, including but not limited to arrays/microarrays of nucleic acid molecules, and beads that contain one or more probes or other detection reagents for detecting one or more biomarkers of the present invention. The kits can optionally include various electronic hardware components; for example, arrays (“DNA chips”) and microfluidic systems (“lab-on-a-chip” systems) provided by various manufacturers typically comprise hardware components. Other kits may not include electronic hardware components, but may be comprised of, for example, one or more biomarker detection reagents (along with, optionally, other biochemical reagents) packaged in one or more containers.

Biomarker detection kits/systems may contain, for example, one or more probes, or sets of probes, that hybridize to a nucleic acid molecule present in a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-8.

A biomarker detection kit of the present invention may include components that are used to prepare CNA from a blood sample from a patient for the subsequent amplification and/or detection of a biomarker.

Correlating the Presence of Biomarkers with Breast Cancer

The present invention provides methods and reagents for detecting the presence of a biomarker in CNA from a patient that has breast cancer or that is being evaluated to determine if the patient may have breast cancer. In the context of the invention, “detection” or “identification” or “identifying the presence” or “detecting the presence” of a biomarker associated with the presence or absence of breast cancer in a CNA sample from a patient refers to determining any level of the biomarker in the CNA of the patient where the level is greater than a threshold value that distinguishes between breast cancer and non-breast cancer CNA samples for a given assay.

In the current invention, for example, the presence of any one of the biomarkers listed in Tables 2-7 is indicative of breast cancer. As appreciated by one of skill in the art, biomarkers may be employed in analyzing a patient sample where the biomarker has also been observed infrequently in a normal patient to in order to increase the sensitivity of the detection. For example, the biomarkers indicated by bold font in Tables 3 and 4 have been observed to be present infrequently in CNA obtained from normal individuals; however, given the low frequency of occurrence in normal samples relative to the higher frequency of occurrence in breast cancer, the presence of the biomarker in a patient indicates that the patient has a 90% or greater likelihood of having breast cancer. Thus, for example, arrays used to detect the chromosomal regions can include those that identify the chromosomal regions in Tables 3 and 4 that are indicated in bold font.

The biomarkers set forth in Tables 1-7 are associated with breast cancer, i.e., they are over-represented in breast cancer patients compared to individuals not diagnosed with breast cancer. Thus, the detection of one or more of the biomarkers set forth in Tables 1-7 is indicative of breast cancer, i.e., the patient has an increased probability of having breast cancer compared to a patient that does not have the biomarker. In some embodiments, the detection of two or more biomarkers set forth in Tables 1-7 in the CNA of a patient is indicative of a greater probability for breast cancer. As understood in the art, other criteria, e.g., clinical criteria, mammography, etc., are also employed to diagnose breast cancer in the patient. Accordingly, patients that have a biomarker associated with breast cancer also undergo other diagnostic procedures.

In some embodiments, one or more biomarkers that are under-represented in breast cancer may be detected in the CNA of a patient. Thus, for example, a biomarker listed in Table 8 may be detected in a CNA sample from a patient where the detection of the biomarker is indicative of a normal diagnosis, i.e., that the patient does not have breast cancer.

“Over-represented” or “increased amount” means that the level of one or more circulating cell-free DNAs is higher than normal levels. Generally this means an increase in the level as compared to an index value. Conversely “under-represented” or “decreased amount” means that the level of one or more particular circulating cell-free DNA molecules is lower than normal levels. Generally this means a decrease in the level as compared to an index value.

In preferred embodiments, the test value representing the amount of a particular circulating cell-free DNA is compared to one or more reference values (or index values), and optionally correlated to breast cancer or cancer recurrence. Optionally, an increased likelihood of breast cancer is indicated if the test value is greater than the reference value.

Those skilled in the art are familiar with various ways of deriving and using index values. For example, the index value may represent the copy number or concentration of a particular cell-free DNA according to the present invention in a blood sample from a patient of interest in healthy state, in which case a copy number or concentration in a sample from the patient at a different time or state significantly higher (e.g., 1.5-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 30-fold, 40-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold or more higher) than this index value would indicate, e.g., breast cancer or increased likelihood of cancer recurrence.

Alternatively, the index value may represent the average concentration or copy number of a particular circulating cell-free DNA for a set of individuals from a diverse cancer population or a subset of the population. For example, one may determine the average copy number or concentration of a circulating cell-free DNA in a random sampling of patients with breast cancer. Thus, patients having a copy number or concentration (test value) comparable to or higher than, this value identified as having an increased likelihood of having breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence than those having a test value lower than this value.

Often the copy number or amount (e.g., concentration) will be considered “increased” or “decreased” only if it differs significantly from the index value, e.g., at least 1.5 fold difference in absolute or relative (e.g., as reflected by hybridization signal) copy number or concentration.

A useful index value may represent the copy number or concentration of a particular circulating cell-free DNA or of a combination (weighted or straight addition) of two or more circulating cell-free DNAs corresponding to the same chromosomal region or different chromosomal regions. When two or more biomarkers or circulating cell-free DNA molecules are used in the diagnosis/monitoring method, the presence or absence of, or the amount of, each biomarker or circulating cell-free DNA can be weighted and combined. Thus, a test value may be provided by (a) weighting the determined status or amount of each circulating cell-free DNA molecule with a predefined coefficient, and (b) combining the weighted status or amount to provide a test value. The combining step can be either by straight addition or averaging (i.e., weighted eaqually) or by a different predefined coefficient.

The information obtained from the biomarker analysis may be stored in a computer readable form. Such a computer system typically comprises major subsystems such as a central processor, a system memory (typically RAM), an input/output (I/O) controller, an external device such as a display screen via a display adapter, serial ports, a keyboard, a fixed disk drive via a storage interface and a floppy disk drive operative to receive a floppy disc, and a CD-ROM (or DVD-ROM) device operative to receive a CD-ROM. Many other devices can be connected, such as a network interface connected via a serial port.

The computer system may also be linked to a network, comprising a plurality of computing devices linked via a data link, such as an Ethernet cable (coax or 10BaseT), telephone line, ISDN line, wireless network, optical fiber, or other suitable signal transmission medium, whereby at least one network device (e.g., computer, disk array, etc.) comprises a pattern of magnetic domains (e.g., magnetic disk) and/or charge domains (e.g., an array of DRAM cells) composing a bit pattern encoding data acquired from an assay of the invention.

The computer system can comprise code for interpreting the results of a study evaluating the presence of one or more of the biomarkers. Thus in an exemplary embodiment, the biomarker analysis results are provided to a computer where a central processor executes a computer program for determining the likelihood of a patient that has breast cancer.

The invention also provides the use of a computer system, such as that described above, which comprises: (1) a computer; (2) a stored bit pattern encoding the biomarker testing results obtained by the methods of the invention, which may be stored in the computer; (3) and, optionally, (4) a program for determining the likelihood of a patient having breast cancer.

The invention further provides methods of generating a report based on the detection of one or more biomarkers set forth in Tables 2-8.

Thus, the present invention provides systems related to the above methods of the invention. In one embodiment the invention provides a system for analyzing circulating cell-free DNA, comprising: (1) a sample analyzer for executing the method of analyzing circulating cell-free DNA in a patient's blood, serum or plasma as described in the various embodiments above (incorporated herein by reference); (2) a computer system for automatically receiving and analyzing data obtained in step (1) to provide a test value representing the status (presence or absence or amount, i.e., concentration or copy number) of one or more circulating cell-free DNA molecules having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 nucleotides falling within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (or having a nucleotide sequence that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G), and optionally for comparing the test value to one or more reference values each associated with a predetermined status of breast cancer. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a display module displaying the comparison between the test value and the one or more reference values, or displaying a result of the comparing step.

Thus, as will be apparent to skilled artisans, the sample analyzer may be, e.g., a sequencing machine (e.g., Illumina HiSeg™, Ion Torrent PGM, ABI SOLiD™ sequencer, PacBio RS, Helicos Heliscope™, etc.), a PCR machine (e.g., ABI 7900, Fluidigm BioMark™, etc.), a microarray instrument, etc.

In one embodiment, the sample analyzer is a sequencing instrument, e.g., a next-generation sequencing instrument such as Roche's GS systems, Illumina's HiSeq and MiSeq, and Life Technologies' SOLiD systems. Circulating cell-free DNA molecules are isolated from a patient's blood or serum or plasma, and the sequences of all of the circulating cell-free DNA molecules are obtained using the sample analyzer. The sequencing instrument is used in sequencing the circulating cell-free DNA molecules, and obtaining the sequences of these molecules. A computer system is then employed for automatically analyzing the sequences to determine the presence or absence or amount of a circulating cell-free DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 nucleotides falling within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (or having a nucleotide sequence that is a part of one of the sequences set forth in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G) in the sample. For example, the computer system may compare the sequence of each circulating cell-free DNA molecule in the sample to each sequence in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G to determine if there is a match, i.e., if the sequence of a circulating cell-free DNA molecule falls within a sequence in Tables of Sequences A, B, C, D, E, F and G, or within a chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The copy number of a particular circulating cell-free DNA molecule is also automatically determined by the computer system. Optionally the computer system automatically correlates the sequence analysis result with a diagnosis regarding breast cancer. For example, if one, two or more circulating cell-free DNA molecules are identified to be derived from a chromosomal region in Tables 2-7, and preferably two or more circulating cell-free DNA molecules with sequences falling within different chromosomal regions within one single table chosen from Tables 2-7, then the computer system automatically correlates this analysis result with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Optionally, the computer system further comprises a display module displaying the results of sequence analysis and/or the result of the correlating step. The display module may be for example, a display screen, such as a computer monitor, TV monitor, or the touch screen, a printer, and audio speakers.

The computer-based analysis function can be implemented in any suitable language and/or browsers. For example, it may be implemented with C language and preferably using object-oriented high-level programming languages such as Visual Basic, SmallTalk, C++, and the like. The application can be written to suit environments such as the Microsoft Windows™ environment including Windows™ 98, Windows™ 2000, Windows™ NT, and the like. In addition, the application can also be written for the MacIntosh™, SUN™, UNIX or LINUX environment. In addition, the functional steps can also be implemented using a universal or platform-independent programming language. Examples of such multi-platform programming languages include, but are not limited to, hypertext markup language (HTML), JAVA™, JavaScript™, Flash programming language, common gateway interface/structured query language (CGI/SQL), practical extraction report language (PERL), AppleScript™ and other system script languages, programming language/structured query language (PL/SQL), and the like. Java™- or JavaScript™-enabled browsers such as HotJava™, Microsoft™ Explorer™, or Netscape™ can be used. When active content web pages are used, they may include Java™ applets or ActiveX™ controls or other active content technologies.

The analysis function can also be embodied in computer program products and used in the systems described above or other computer- or internet-based systems. Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising a computer-usable medium having computer-readable program codes or instructions embodied thereon for enabling a processor to carry out the analysis and correlating functions as described above. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus create means for implementing the functions or steps described above. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory or medium that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory or medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the analysis. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions or steps described above.

The following examples are provided by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize a variety of non-critical parameters that could be changed or modified to yield essentially similar results.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Identification of Breast Cancer-Associated Biomarker in CNA Sequencing of CNA:

After extraction of DNA from serum or plasma, using standard silica based methods, a whole genome amplification was performed in duplicate. The products were pooled and used for further analysis.

Long Sequencing Runs:

The primer sequences for 454 sequencing were added to the product using fusion primers in not more than 20 cycles of PCR. The resulting product was treated according to the 454 sequencer manual and used for direct sequence detection.

High Density Short Tag Runs:

The whole genome amplification product was digested with NlaIII endonuclease and ligated to artificial linkers harbouring a EcoP15I restriction recognition site. After digestion and re-ligation the resulting linkered di-tags were re-amplified, followed by digestion with NlaIII and concatemerization of the linker-free di-tags. Sequencing primers with identifiers are ligated in the same step and the resulting product consisting of up to 20 sequence tags of about 26 bp in length was subjected to 454 sequencing according to the manufacturer's manual.

Computational Analysis:

Sequences with Reads Longer than 40 bp

The sequence reads were appointed to the sample source by reading the identifier sequence string and all non source parts were cut out (e.g. primers).

The origin of the circulating DNA was investigated by local alignment analyses using the BLAST program using high stringent parameters (30). Repetitive elements were detected and masked by using a local install of the Repeatmasker software package (31) using the repbase (version 12.09) that was obtained from the Genetic Information Research Institute (32). After masking of the repetitive elements and region of low sequence complexity each sequence was subjected to sequential BLAST analyses querying databases of bacterial, viral and fungal genomes and the human genome (reference genome build 37.1). Bacterial, viral, fungal and human genomes were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, (ftp.ncbi.nih.gov)). After each of the sequential database searches all parts of a queried sequence that produced significant hits (e<0.0001) were masked and masked sequences were subsequently used to query the next database. Masked nucleotides were counted and subtracted from the total nucleotide counts resulting in the amounts of unidentified nucleotides.

For each query fragment and each database search, the highest scoring BLAST hit with a length of more than 50% of the query sequence was recorded in a SQL database. The highest scoring BLAST hit was defined as the longest hit with the highest percent identity (maximum of hit length×identity). For each of the sequences, the start and stop positions for query and database were recorded.

Short Sequence Tags:

After identifying the sample source as given above, the sequences were first dissected at each NlaIII restriction recognition side into di-tags. These are cut into tags by using the following algorithm: If ditag-length is even use length/2 bases from the left and right side of ditag to generate tags. If ditag-length is odd use integer(length/2) number of bases from right and left side of ditag to generate tags.

The genomic origin of the tags was investigated by local alignment analyses using the BLAST program using high stringent parameters. Closely comparable result can be achieved using other alignment programs such as BowTie. For each query fragment and each database search, the highest scoring alignment hit with a) no mismatch if tag length is <21 or b) not more than one mismatch if tag length is 21 or higher, and only one such a hit exists the tag position on the respective genome database as recorded in a SQL database. This also serves as an example for sequencing that generated short sequence tags per se such as SOLiD™ (Applied Biosystems/Life Tech.) or Solexa (Illumina Inc.).

Disease Association Analysis:

To investigate which sequences/sequence tags are disease associated, all alignments that could be unambiguously placed on the human genomic database (Homo sapiens Build 37.1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mapview/) were used. Those were categorized into 4060 region of 750,000 bp intervals and selected for differences between normal controls and cancer patients on the basis of a group comparison using the non-parametric median test. Five hundred chromosomal regions having the lowest p-values were used for further analyses.

In 335 rounds of bootstrap random selected samples linear multivariate regressions modeling was performed using the above selected 750 k regions as independent parameters. The MVRs were calculated based on Akaike's Information criterion (AIC), using about 90,000,000 models (2 to 5 parameters). The independent parameters were ranked according to the Akaike weight sums of the bootstrap approach (using a subset of samples) and the best 42 are given (Table 1).

The highest ranking thirty two 750 k regions were then applied to the total group of cancer (n=178) and normal controls (n=108) and the slope estimates were re-adjusted.

The performance calculations showed a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 97%.

Selection of Clusters in the Pre-Selected Regions

As a second step, a cluster search within the 42 regions (31.5 million bp) was performed and 58 clusters of cancer samples were found without any normal sample reducing the size to 1.6 million base pairs. The cluster regions were restricted to those 32 that had a distance to the next normal hit of at least 200 bp. These regions provide a 89% sensitivity with 100% true negative classification, where a sample is called positive if at least one hit is found in any of the cluster regions (see Table 2).

In a further analysis, additional clusters were searched where only one or less normal sample was found in a cluster of at least 10 cancer samples. A total of 81 clusters were found (24 with one normal 57 without normals). By applying the same rules as above (at least 200 bp from the next hit), using 37 of those yielded 94% true positives and 95% true negatives. The total length was calculated to be 672 kbp (see Table3). Use of the 32 regions without any false positives, which are bolded in Table 3, provides an 87% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

Selection of Genomic Clusters

As a third step, a search for genomic clusters was performed over the whole non-repetitive genome. A selection of 30 clusters covering 301 kbp was sufficient to give a rate of 93% true positives at a 97% true negative level (see Table 4). Excluding those three regions (bolded in Table 4) that had one hit in normal, non-breast cancer patients, the true positive rate was 88% and 100% specificity.

One further search was for the best cluster combination, where no false positive results were tolerated per se. Table 5 shows biomarkers of 27 clusters with a total length of 260 kbp where the sensitivity was 90% with no false positive detected.

Using a selection of 56 BrCa sera and 35 normals the above described short sequence tag study was performed. By doing so, the hit count per sample was increased by about 11-fold and the same approach as shown above for long sequences was used to define hotspot clusters. By using 17 regions, spanning about 122 kbp, 55|56 BrCa patients are correctly classified, which calculates to 98%, when all controls were correctly classified (see Table 6). If a sample is only designated positive when at least two distinct hits are found per sample and no hits are detected in a normal sample, the sensitivity is 94.6% and 96.4% if 8 additional (total 25) chromosomal regions are considered. The latter still yields a sensitivity of 91% if the delimiter is set to three hits, but still no single hit of any normal sample.

Example 2 Identification of Additional Biomarkers that are Over- or Under-Represented in Breast Cancer

In a further analysis to identify biomarkers, a subset of 143 BrCa samples and 96 Controls were sequenced on a Life Technologies SOLiD4+ System, which is a high-throughput sequencer that typically can run hundreds of millions of sequences of lengths of about 30 to about 75 bases in parallel. (Another example of such a sequencing technology is the Genome Analyzer (Illumina)). Briefly, samples were prepared as described for the 454 sequencing (0051 & 0052), where adaptors specific to SOLiD4+ sequencing are used. For each sample around 5 million reads of 40 bp were obtained and aligned to the Human genome (Build Hg18) using the Life Technologies “Bioscope” software suite with default stringency values. All uniquely aligned reads were used for further analysis.

In order to define the chromosomal regions, where samples of either group cluster in comparison the second group, all hits were ranked in order of their appearance on the chromosomes. Biomarker regions were initially defined as those regions where at least 15 hits covering at least 10 samples of a group were counted, but not more than one sample of the other group demonstrated a hit.

In 1500 rounds of random re-sampling the samples were divided into a training and validation set of 50% of each group. For each region, a sample in the region was assigned a score of 1 if the cluster was a breast cancer (BrCa) cluster and a score of −1 for a region where normal samples cluster. The average AUC for the validation set was found to be 0.88 if the score sums of 42 cluster regions were used. The regions used in the 1500 rounds of re-sampling were ranked according to the number of round in which either region participated. Table 7 and Table 8 show the 56 highest ranking regions. Table 7 summarizes those clusters overrepresented in breast cancer serum samples. Table 8 summarizes those that are underrepresented in breast cancer serum samples. These regions were used in a final calculation on all samples; the ROC curve using the 40 highest ranking regions is shown in FIG. 1 (95% confidence limit). The AUC was calculated to be 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.87-0.98). The maximal accuracy was 87% (81%-93%) at the maximal Youden Index, representing a score sum of 1 as delimiter. The respective sensitivity was 87% (82%-92%), the specificity was 88% (80%-93%).

All patents, patent applications, sequence accession numbers, and other published reference materials cited in this specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for their disclosures of the subject matter in whose connection they are cited herein.

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LENGTHY TABLES The patent application contains a lengthy table section. A copy of the table is available in electronic form from the USPTO web site (http://seqdata.uspto.gov/?pageRequest=docDetail&DocID=US20130116127A1). An electronic copy of the table will also be available from the USPTO upon request and payment of the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.19(b)(3).

MEGA 

1. A method of analyzing circulating free DNA in a patient sample, comprising determining, in a sample that is blood, serum or plasma, the presence or absence or the amount of, a first cell-free DNA having a sequence falling within a first chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8, and a second cell-free DNA having a sequence falling within a second chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8, wherein the sequences of said first and second cell-free DNAs are free of repetitive element.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second chromosomal regions are different.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said patient has breast cancer.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining in said sample a third cell free DNA having a sequence falling within a third chromosomal region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8, wherein said third chromosomal region is different from said first and second chromosomal regions, and the sequence of said third cell free DNA is free of repetitive element.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining in said sample at least 5, 8, 10, 20 or 40 additional different cell free DNAs each falling within a different chromosomal region set forth in Tables 2-8.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said chromosomal regions are all set forth within the same table chosen from Tables 2-8.
 7. A kit comprising a first plurality of oligonucleotides each having a nucleotide sequence falling within one same chromosomal region set forth in a table chosen from Tables 2-8, wherein said first plurality includes a number of said oligonucleotides sufficient to detect all circulating cell-free DNA molecules derived from said chromosomal region.
 8. A kit of claim 7, further comprising: a second plurality of oligonucleotides each having a nucleotide sequence falling within the same second chromosomal region that is chosen from those set forth in said table, wherein said first and second chromosomal regions are different and wherein said oligonucleotides are free of repetitive element.
 9. The kit according to claim 7, wherein said oligonucleotides are attached to a solid substrate. 10.-13. (canceled)
 14. A system for analyzing circulating cell-free DNA, comprising: a sample analyzer for determining the presence or absence or the amount of, a circulating cell-free DNA having a nucleotide sequence of at least 25 nucleotides falling within a chromosomal region set forth in a table chosen from Tables 2-7; a computer system for automatically receiving and analyzing data obtained in step (1), and for correlating the presence of, or an increased amount of, said circulating cell-free DNA with a diagnosis of breast cancer.
 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a display module displaying the result of the correlating step. 16.-18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises sequencing the CNA from the patient sample.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises contacting at least one probe that is selective for a chromosome region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table 8 with a DNA sample obtained from the patient sample from the patient under conditions in which the probe selectively hybridizes to a target sequence present on the chromosome region; and detecting hybridization of the probe.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the probe is attached to a solid surface.
 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising contacting the DNA sample with at least 25, 30, 50, 100, or 150 probes, wherein each probe is selective for a chromosome region set forth in Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, or Table
 8. 23.-30. (canceled) 